Many tourists know where to go for a panoramic view of Tokyo - but in exchange for expensive entrance fee, such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Sky Tree, etc. 

But here's a few places you can enter for free (or for minimum price), but offers an amazing view: 

Tocho-mae (Tokyo Government Office)

Located near Shinjuku, this is an office building of Tokyo Metropolitan Government. But at the same time, its observatory deck is 202m above sea level, which is higher than the lower deck of Tokyo Tower（150m), and free of charge! Restaurants are open at reasonable price, and both the North and South tower are open on most days: double the fun! 

Opening Hours: 0930 ~ 22:30 

Closed: 3rd Tuesday of the month, and 4th Monday of the month

Here's the location. Getting of at "Tochomae" station of Oedo-line would be the best access. 

Caretta Shidome 

Free entrance again! Caretta is a shopping / office building with restaurants, shops, and even musical theaters! One of Japan's biggest TV station, "Japan TV" is located here, and offers spontaneous events. 

The 46th and 47th floor is dedicated for luxury restaurants, but at the same time open for anyone to visit for a peep at Tokyo from 200m above! Although the window is not too big, the journey is spectacular. The skeleton elevator, made mainly of glass, travels at 22km/hr, which is one of the fastest in Japan. 

Enjoy also the winter illumination, depending on the season!

Get here using either "Shinbashi" station, or "Shiodome" station.

Tokyo Sky Tree

If none of these are high enough, there's only one more choice in Japan: Sky tree. The top observatory is 450m above ground with a spiral passage facing basically any direction. I personally don't like paying for panoramic view because I usually visit the first two places, but when it comes this far, you can feel the difference.

Opening hours: 8:00 ~ 21:00

Prices: Adult ~3600Yen, Children 2880Yen

Closed: Occasionally due to bad weather.

Please check for the latest information before going!